TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

This is one of those answers that I could ramble on repeatedly hour after hour, simply because of the sheer generosity of publishers, authors and other book bloggers. It's truly a wonderful community that shares and gives back to one another in a spirit of kindness and a genuine love of the written word. Rather than ramble on forever and ever though, I wanted to point out the two books that I received this year that utterly blew my mind in every way, shape and form.

I remember when I first highlighted this way back when as a WoW, and was miraculously entered into the incredible Michelle Hodkin's spontaneous giveaway to give back. Well, I won, and I received an art print and the first two chapters, which killed me.

Then, her incredible publicist was kind enough to send me my very own ARC, and the book was arguably the most incredible I've read this year. I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful for having received The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer through this blog for review not only because it's an amazing book, but it's given me a chance to get to know Michelle, who is an amazing, amazing person!

I've never had a thing for contemporary fiction at all. It's never been for me, and I've always found it a bit too girly-girlish for my taste. I kept hearing from various bloggers that this one was one of the best though, so when the opportunity arose for me to participate in a blog tour and read Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar, naturally, I was sold.

Well, consider me blown away. This is one of those books that creeps up on you and steals your heart before you have time to flinch away. It's utterly captivating, and it breathed new life into my take on contemps. I'm so thankful for other bloggers opening my eyes to new books like this gem.

Plus, I would like to take this moment to thank all publishers, authors and incredible book bloggers for helping spread the love for books to all of us. Thank you all for your immense generosity, and thank you for being a part of this book blogging community!

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

Various Positions by Martha Schabas (ARC) - Thank you, FSG

When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen (ARC) - Thank you, FSG

FOR REVIEW

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler - Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire

Life Is But a Dream by Brian James (ARC) - Thank you, Feiwel & Friends

FOR REVIEW

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett (ARC) - Thank you, Feiwel & Friends

Legacy by Molly Cochran (ARC) - Thank you, Simon & Schuster BYR

FOR REVIEW

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (ARC) - Thank you, Simon & Schuster BYR

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (ARC - 2nd Copy) - Thank you, Feiwel & Friends

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BYR
Publish Date: May 4, 2010
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 352
Source: Personal Copy

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life.

Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident.

Amy's life is anything but upbeat. After the sudden death of her father, her mother packs up and moves to Connecticut to start fresh. Amy was left in California to finish her junior year, but has to journey across the country in the family car driven by Roger, a guy she barely knows. She's certain things are going to go from bad to worse, and her luck has officially run out. But along the way, Amy and Roger learn that know matter how hard they plan and carefully they detail the road to home and a new life, there are always unexpected twists and turns that throw one for a loop in the best possible way.

I've never been a summer-read kind of girl. I just haven't been. I like my books to be dark and issue-heavy, and while this had all the makings of being a true issue book, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour managed to feature an upbeat, bittersweet and entirely realistic tone. Morgan Matson has painted a true-to-life picture of a girl dealing with grief in her own way and her own time. Chronicling Amy's journey to peace, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is true to its title; it's epic, it's loving and it's a story that promises to make your heart soar with hope and happiness.

There were so many good things about Amy & Roger's Epic Detour that I'm sure I'll miss a few, but I want to try to explain what made the book so great for me. First off, Amy is a brilliant character. She's well-rounded and her grief, though apparent, isn't all-consuming or overbearing. It's a subtle undertone that courses through her actions and inactions that draws the reader into her story. Likewise, Roger was solid and reassuring without being some huge rock that saves the damsel in distress. Their relationship was quirky at best, as well as very cute and unassuming. The writing of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was spot on. Fluid and fun, sprinkled with illustrations and receipts, postcards and napkins, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour spins the reader on a cross-country journey that is engaging, mesmerizing and has you feeling like a part of the journey. Plus, if I might add, the musical playlist scattered through the book is phenomenal.

Overall, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was a fantastic book. Well-written and featuring a great theme without ever being overwhelming or overdone, it's a beautiful and heartfelt story. I give it a 5 out of 5, and it's up there in my top contemporaries of all time. I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Psychological Thriller
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. 

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. 

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. 

She's wrong.

Mara's life is nothing like it used to be. The biggest problem before the accident was the fact that Claire might be usurping her place as her best friend's new best friend. Mara's family moves to Miami for a fresh start, but Mara's troubles follow her, and her troubles begin to go from bad to worse. She's seeing things, hearing voices and she's pretty sure she's dangerously unstable. The one person that could center her is as mysterious as her condition, but as dangerously handsome and charming as they get. Can Mara reach the bottom of her troubled past before her world crumbles around her?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a thrill ride; plain and simple. However, while that surmises what many of you might have already guessed, it doesn't even begin to come close to adequately portraying what a masterpiece Michelle Hodkin has created in her debut novel. Rich and engrossing, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is rife with dark humour, snarky characters and white-knuckle suspense from start to finish. Michelle Hodkin is a genius when it comes to setting a scene. Balancing a perfect description of each setting while allowing the characters to sing through so they never become overpowered by mundane details, the world of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer comes alive. Brimming with tension and suspense, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is sure to find a place on every book-lover's shelf.

First and foremost, I have to say that Mara was very much a mystery to me throughout much of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, but that's not to say that I didn't get to know her. It's the not-knowing that made her that much more intriguing, if that makes sense. Every time I think I had a grasp on what was going on with her, she threw me for a loop and had me grasping at straws, yet again. Jamie, Mara's new best friend was a hilarious oddity, as well. He added a layer of intrigue to the host of secondary characters, each of whom had their own distinct personality. In the same breath, I'd like to say that Daniel, Mara's older brother, was a perfect counterpart to Mara, herself. His steady demeanor was the very opposite of Mara's tumultuous self, but their interaction was genuine and honest - very much that of a brother and sister. Then there's Noah Shaw. Good Lord. Noah Shaw. He will forever be the boy that I compare all YA boys to from now on...perhaps real boys, as well. On the surface, his surly player facade had me screaming for mercy, but when you added the layer of hidden, genuine charm and concern, he epitomizes perfection. Through it all, however, I must not forget that while the characters were phenomenal, the plot was equally so. I never once knew where The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was heading, but it was visual, and it was tense, and I was enthralled and breathless long after the very last page.

I cannot sing the praises of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer enough. This book, in my humble opinion, is what makes the genre so great. Merging a powerful premise with an equally stunning and original plot, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer gets a 6 out of 5 from me (as well as edges into my top ten), and the ending left me absolutely desperate for book two like...yesterday. I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA, as well as fans of adult books, especially those who enjoy psychological thrillers and dark tones. There is some mature language and insinuations, so do keep that under consideration.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Bookish Websites/Organizations/Apps, etc. (aside from book blogs):

1. Goodreads - Seriously...can you think of a better way to compile all the books you've read, should read, want to read, must read, yadda yadda? I can't.

2. Netgalley - It's like the Netflix of books, only better. You can get eARCs of some of your favourite upcoming titles if you meet the publisher's criteria, and it's amazing with an e-reader.

3. Galley Grab - Simon & Schuster is made of genius. Providing eARCs of some amazing upcoming titles, it's another great way to snag the books you're dying to read.

4. Random Buzzers - It's a little bit like social networking with books. It's a great place to put your reviews, participate in fun quizzes and challenges, etc.

5. Shelf Awareness - This newsletter is amazing. First, you have great articles about anything bookish you could possibly want AND you could (possibly) snag a galley or two.

6. YAlit - Want a compiled list of some of the most amazing upcoming and past titles featuring links, publishers, release dates and more? This is an excellent source.

7. IndieBound - I'm a huge fan of independent book stores and those little places with tons of character that sell books in your town. Want to find a smaller retailer and encourage others to go indie? This is for you.

8. The Book Depository - If you don't know about this site, I feel really, really sorry for you. And you should check it out. Stat.

9. Book Cover Archive - Are you a cover slut like me? This is like porn candy for us. Trust me. Drool at your own risk.

10. Blippr - 160 character reviews of your favourite books (and more) PLUS you can connect it to your other social networking platforms. Win-win situation, folks!

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

ARC - Thank you, Simon & Schuster

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

FOR REVIEW

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

ARC - Thank you, HarperTeen

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

FOR REVIEW

Eden by Keary Taylor

Finished Copy - Thank you, Keary

Eve knew the stories of the Fall. She's seen the aftermath of the technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter, able to grow new organs and limbs, how it evolved out of control. The machine took over and the soul vanished. At eighteen, this world is Eve's reality.

The technology wants to spread and it won't stop until there is no new flesh to assimilate. While fighting to keep Eden alive, Eve discovers that being human is about what you will do for those you love. And even if it gets you killed, love is always what separates them from the Fallen.

Title: All the Things You Are
Author: Courtney Sheinmel
Publisher: S&S Children's
Published: June 14, 2011
Genre: YA/MG, Contemps
Pages: 256
Source: S&S Galley Grab

Carly Wheeler lives a charmed life. Her mother is a stylist for the soap opera Lovelock Falls, she lives in a nice house, and goes to an excellent private school. But when her mom is arrested and charged with embezzlement, everything starts to unravel.

There are shocking stories about her mother's crimes in the local newspaper. Carly's friends start avoiding her. And her stepfather starts worrying about money. How can Carly put her life back together when it feels like she's missing all the pieces?

Carly's grown up with it all. She's never wanted for anything, and she's the envy of all the girls at her private school, but when she hears a whisper one day about her mother, she had no idea it was all about to fall apart. When the whisper becomes a raging torrent of press, anger and confusion, Carly isn't sure where her place is anymore. Her friends don't want her, her mother's actions confuse her, and she just wants everything to go back to normal. Can she grow up and adapt, or will Carly succumb to the confusion?

I don't read a lot of MG, and All the Things You Are was marketed as YA, but I feel I should point out that Carly is more of a tween than a teen. That said, I think it works in both age groups. Now that that's out of the way, this was my first read from author Courtney Sheinmel, and I was intrigued to see her take on contemporary fiction. She has a wonderful writing voice. The story flows well, and it is extremely realistic. Opting for a simplistic and minimalist approach to Carly's voice, the author lends a sense of heartbreak and reality that is uncluttered, unpolluted and completely pure. All the Things You Are is a story of both heartbreak and growing up, giving the reader the best of both worlds.

I will say, however, that I'm not sure All the Things You Are is the most original story when remarking on the plot, alone. The overall premise of riches to rags has been done time and again, and when you read a book that strikes you in that realm, other reads tend to pale in comparison. In my case, I found myself comparing this a lot Dark Song by Gail Giles - a read that completely blew me away. It is important for me to mention though that All the Things You Are takes a decidedly more delicate approach to Carly's story. Rather than angst, we have sorrow, and rather than defiance, we have a young girl that is trying to cope with her new life in the best way she knows how. Carly grows up in All the Things We Are, restoring the heart and soul of the story without being overly cliche or hitting you over the head with sweetness which, in the end, makes up for what I thought was a less-than-original plot. Plus, the author's execution, including the writing voice, tangibility of the characters and overall theme made for a powerful read.

All in all, I think All the Things You Are is a strong addition to the contemporary market today, and I'm definitely a fan of the author's writing style now. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of both YA and MG, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight
Publisher: S&S Books for Young Readers
Published: July 26, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 393
Source: S&S Galley Grab

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. J

ust as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Ashline lives in a modern-day stepford that's as cookie-cutter as it gets, and it's an understatement to say she stands out. Her sister, Eve, has a reputation for violence, and she's fast earning a reputation of her own, but she never meant for the events of that night to happen. What's meant to be a fresh new start at Blackwood Academy becomes the start of a brand new life for Asheline, and it's one she could never have imagined. With power beyond her imagination, others just like her and the threat of war looming over their heads, Ash has to learn to come to terms with her gifts and accept her fate or lose herself forever.

Wildefire has its work cut out for it, entering a world of paranormal fiction that ranges from series of vampires, reincarnations of Greek gods, werewolves and more. So, it should be no surprise when I say it has big shoes to fill if it wants to become another power player in YA fiction. I can wholeheartedly say that Wildefire was refreshing, fun and completely addicting. Author Karsten Knight has written one heck of a debut with a full-force plot that grips you from the start and refuses to let go even in the final pages of the book. Featuring a plot like a runaway train that builds momentum and ferocity as it goes, Wildefire is the perfect blend of action and imagery that makes for a powerful and intriguing story.

I find that in YA fiction, there's a delicate line that can't be crossed between character and plot development, and this is a line which Wildefire toes at times but manages to balance throughout. Ash and her older sister Eve set the pace for a whirlwind of violence and intrigue from the first chapter, but the addition of the secondary characters from Blackwood like Jackie, Darren, Raja, Serena, Ade and Rolfe enriched the backstory and fueled the plot. Despite seeming like an overwhelming number of important characters to remember, Wildefire manages to make each character have a significant and potent impact, whether it be good or bad. I'll admit that, at times, I felt Ash's thought processes were tedious - for example, one moment she'd seem confident that nothing would phase her, and the next she was as nervous as the others - but, for the most part, she felt genuine. She was snarky, and funny and endearing in the sense that she wasn't your ordinary bad girl or good girl. She was just real. (And can I just say how much I loved the prominence of strong, fabulous and empowering female characters?!) Wildefire does feature violence that was difficult to stomach, but the language, balance between action and lulls and poetic imagery really made for a strong, well-rounded and riveting story.

All in all, I really enjoyed Wildefire, and I can honestly say that I've read a lot of paranormal stories, but this one raised the bar. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I'm dying for book two. Seriously, I want it right now. I highly recommend it to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories, mythology and strong female protagonists.

I received this eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Boyfriends with Girlfriends
Author: Alex Sanchez
Publisher: S & S Childrens
Published: April 19, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemps, LGBT
Pages: 224
Source: Galley Grab

Lance has always known he was gay, but he's never had a real boyfriend. Sergio is bisexual, but his only real relationship was with a girl. When the two of them meet, they have an instant connection--but will it be enough to overcome their differences?

Allie's been in a relationship with a guy for the last two years--but when she meets Kimiko, she can't get her out of her mind. Does this mean she's gay? Does it mean she's bi? Kimiko, falling hard for Allie, and finding it impossible to believe that a gorgeous girl like Allie would be into her, is willing to stick around and help Allie figure it out.

Lance, Sergio, Allie and Kimiko are the teens next door living and loving in suburbia, doing their best to navigate high school, relationships and their identities all at the same time. Lance has been out for a while, Sergio swings both ways and has been comfortable with it, Kimiko can't believe a girl like Allie might be in her league after all. These four friends are on a collision course that will, inevitably, bring them together as friends or tear them apart based on stereotypes and prejudices in society. All the while though, the four must learn and come to terms with who they really are inside and what that means for those around them.

I'll just say this outright - Boyfriends with Girlfriends is far from my comfort zone in YA literature, but when I made the decision to read more contemporary fiction this year, I meant that in its entirety. I have no qualms with LGBT storylines and, in fact, find them to be some of the most poignant within the genre of YA fiction. Alex Sanchez takes a decidedly upfront approach in Boyfriends with Girlfriends, never mincing his words or hiding behind hidden agendas. Preaching tolerance, growth and the overwhelming need for everyone to be comfortable with who they are, Boyfriends with Girlfriends is brimming with a message that is powerful and needed in society today.

There are two sides to what I just said though. Some books take a delicate tone when directing a reader towards a message. Boyfriends with Girlfriends was not one of these books. It was extremely direct from page one, illustrating very vividly that whether one is bi, gay, curious or straight, we are who we are. None if it is a cop-out and none if it is a lie. In a book like Boyfriends with Girlfriends, I think this approach works, and though it's not my favourite take on literature, I got what I was supposed to get from the book. The characters were likable and approachable (especially Sergio - his confusion was accessible and believable), the relationships between families and friends were honest and true to form, but I have to say that it was all a bit overshadowed by the prominence of the message. It's not a bad thing, but I prefer subtleties, if you know what I mean.

All in all, Boyfriends with Girlfriends was a good book. No, it wasn't my favourite by a long shot, but it had a strong message that I think is often lacking in YA fiction. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy the YA genre, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and LGBT storylines.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: We'll Always Have Summer
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Published: April 26, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: S&S Galley Grab

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be.

And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

Belly is practically a grownup now, and her heart still remains torn between both Jeremiah and Conrad, though she's technically made her decision and gone with Jeremiah. She's in college, she's having the time her life, but something remains lingering in the back of her mind. When Jeremiah slips up, Belly is forced to re-examine her feelings, her emotions and the pieces of her heart that are divided between two great guys. Does she have the strength to make the decision once and for all?

We all know that contemps aren't really my thing, but I began this series a good while back with the first book, The Summer I Turned Pretty and It's Not Summer Without You. I remember being captivated by the love triangle even though they tend to aggravate me, and the writing was engaging throughout. Jenny Han has created a brilliant third book that's emotional and raw, alternating between breaking your heart and gluing the pieces back together again with a great story of love, friendship and growing up.

I have to admit that I felt this story wasn't quite as powerful as the previous two books - perhaps just because Belly is older now. She's in college and she has this whole new life going on. That said, Belly, Jeremiah and Conrad are as fabulous as ever. Their character traits are as strong as book one in We'll Always Have Summer, and I definitely read the fast-paced plot at a steady speed to figure out what happened in the end...and I have to say that, overall, I was pleased with the outcome.

In a sea of YA stories where we lose the characters and plot as the books progress, We'll Always Have Summer was a refreshing read. Sweet, heartfelt and powerful, I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to YA fans of the series, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: March 22, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 356
Source: Galley Grab

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Rhine is sixteen years old. In our world, it's the time of your life, made of sweet-sixteens and parties. In Rhine's world though, she's nearing the end of her life, and she only has four years left. Bought into an unwilling polygamous marriage, Rhine is fueled by the hope of escaping to her twin brother. But in this unfamiliar world of holograms, medicine and counted days, Rhine has found sisters in her sister wives, and it's getting harder and harder to escape. Can she escape in time, and will she find Rowan? And what happens to her husband, Linden, who genuinely cares for her, and what will become of Gabriel, the attendant she's come to care for?

Wither is most definitely a unique take on dystopian YA fiction. Lauren DeStefano has merged a strong protagonist, a bitter and crippled world and a fierce cast of characters into a powerful story of what happens when society tries and fails to play the hand of the Creator. DeStefano has a knack for descriptions, both beautiful and painful, making Wither into a story that's exhilarating, thrilling, heart-wrenching and strangely beautiful.

I'm a little bit torn on Wither overall though. Wither presents a great protagonist in Rhine. She has a clear, refreshing voice and a definite goal. I really loved her resolve. I also loved Jenna, the oldest of the three sister wives and, despite my resistance, I found myself really feeling for Cecily (a 13-year-old bride) and Linden, as well. I'm a little lost on Gabriel, Rhine's love interest though. I felt his character was a bit flat and one-sided. All I ever saw was the love interest. I never felt any depth. I also struggled with the world-building aspects at times. I get that one generation was perfect and lived a full lifespan, but I want to know what made the change in the next generations that started this epidemic of youth deaths. So, I felt the characters drove the novel, while the plot and world lagged at times.

Overall, Wither is a very strong and unique debut, and I'll definitely want to read the sequel, despite my reservations and lingering questions from Wither. I believe the positives outweighed the negatives in the end. I give it a high 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian fiction.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Kids
Published: September 27, 2011
Pages: 372
Genre: YA, Contemporary Fiction

Mara Dyer believes life can’t get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she has been through she can fall in love. She's wrong.

Holy cover lust! We all know that contemps aren't usually my thing because I find them flat and formulaic (yes, I'm generalizing, I apologize). Anyway, the premise of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is endlessly fascinating to me. It's darker than a lot of contemps, it sounds a bit mysterious, and frankly, a bit edgy. I like edgy. It works for me. Anyway, I hope this lives up to the amazing cover and plot synopsis because this has the makings of a real winner for me...especially if it's all dark and twisty! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?